What is there left to say about Space Wolves that we haven't already said? If you are a loyal reader of our humble blog, you should know that the men in Space Wolves craft surfy indie-pop with occasional (okay, more than just occasional) bursts of pop glory. Between the two of them, guitarist/bassist Nick Reynolds and drummer Chris Scamurra have enough ambition, determination and, well... some combination of insanity and brilliance to conquer every corner of the surf genre. Enter Aaron & the Burrs.
Aaron & The Burrs II is an eight-song instrumental album that embodies everything that surf music should be. Make no mistake, this isn't an album by the Beach Boys - if you're looking for that, Space Wolves is probably your best bet. But here, Aaron & the Burrs have eschewed any sort of pop-mindset. Without the emotional distraction of lyrics, these guys have constructed an outlet for themselves to create unadulterated surf magic.
The closest these guys come to Space Wolves territory is probably the album opener "Sinking the Scorpion" or even the closing track, "Thunder on the Dneiper." "Dneiper" has a monster chorus riff (hint - :12) that's a shining example of the pop genius that's hidden deep beneath their cool surf exterior.
The trouble with reviewing instrumental albums is you don't always know exactly what the songs are about. Aaron & the Burrs II is no exception - when it comes to the subjects of these songs, your best guess is mine... But, and I know have said this before, bands sans-vocalists like the Burrs (and fellow Buffalonians Young Suns/All of Them Witches/etc.) allow the instrumentation to shine through (obviously). Take the blistering riff in the 26-second-long "Narcosis Addicts," or even the impressive tremolo picking in a song like "An Ill-Natured Wind." Worth noting is Reynolds' nimble fret work on songs like "The Descent," full of precise slides, bends, hammer-ons and pull-offs. The drums are never far behind, laying down smooth surf beats that Reynolds rides all the way to the pits of whatever Buffalo/hell hybrid these guys are trying to create.
Speaking of hell, my personal favorite song on this album is the twisted-surf of "Forward to Hell." At the risk of making an awful metaphor, this song makes me feel like I'm riding some sort of hellish lava-wave on my way to Buffa-hell. But even when Aaron & the Burrs aren't whipping out impressive instrumental leads or leading the charge on the way to the abyss, they are still capable of putting together a cogent song. "Rising Sun" is probably the "gentlest" moment on this album, but still packs an enjoyable beachy punch.
I guess when it comes down to it, we buffaBLOGGERS just can't get enough of the Reynolds/Scamurra team. I have heard some rumors of some more extravagant side projects from the Space Wolves dudes... Sounds promising.
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